Last Wednesday (February 13) European negotiators finalized the text of the Copyright Directive in the Digital Single Market – including the controversial ‘Article 13’ provision.
There will now be another vote in the coming weeks to decide whether or not to legislate the Directive.
Organizations from across the cultural and creative sector published a statement yesterday (February 20), calling on EU member states and the European Parliament to adopt the text of the Copyright Directive as agreed in the trilogue last week.
One notable missing signatory however is global recorded music body IFPI, which counts 1,300 major and independent companies in 59 countries among its membership.
Last week when various music industry bodies issued responses to the conclusion of the trilogue ahead of the full text being released, an IFPI spokesperson told MBW that, “given that the official text of the agreement has yet to be released, we have not yet had the opportunity to analyze it. We look forward to carefully reviewing the text when it is issued.”
Yesterday’s letter, which you can read in full below, was co-signed by GESAC (European Grouping of Societies of Authors and Composers), IMPALA (Independent Music Companies Association) the International Council of Music Authors (CIAM) and others.
IMPALA also issued its own statement today (February 21), in which it said that independent music companies, associations and labels from across Europe met in Brussels this week to “examine the text”.
According to IMPALA, it along with its members, also met with EU parliamentarians this week to “underline their full support of the legislation”.
“We welcome the text and member state approval. This will be the first piece of legislation anywhere in the world clarifying the position of platforms as regards copyright and licensing.”
Helen Smith, Executive Chair of IMPALA, said: “We welcome the text and member state approval. This will be the first piece of legislation anywhere in the world clarifying the position of platforms as regards copyright and licensing. It is a balanced compromise, taking on board the views of stakeholders representing different interests.”
“Platforms play a unique role in the relationship between creators and citizens and this directive puts a much needed framework around that. We decided to hold our 100th board meeting in Brussels to honour the EU’s role in levelling the playing field online. Europe really has taken the lead on this worldwide.”
The IFPI hasn’t given an exact reason as to why it hasn’t sided with the other music industry bodies now that the full text is out, but IFPI has acknowledged “the efforts made by lawmakers to try to find a way through such a complex area”.
“We acknowledge the efforts made by lawmakers to try to find a way through such a complex area. Certain of the Article 13 provisions of the Copyright Directive are notable.”
“We acknowledge the efforts made by lawmakers to try to find a way through such a complex area,” Moore told MBW. “Certain of the Article 13 provisions of the Copyright Directive are notable.”
“This is the first legislation confirming that User-Upload Content platforms perform an act of communication to the public, and must seek authorisation from rightsholders or make sure that there is no unauthorised content available on their platforms.
“The Directive also includes a “stay down” provision requiring platforms to keep unlicensed content down – another first.”
You can read the letter issued by the collective of trade associations below
JOINT STATEMENT ON THE COPYRIGHT DIRECTIVE
We, the undersigned organisations, representing authors, composers, writers, journalists, photographers and others working in all artistic fields, news agencies, book, press and music publishers, audiovisual and independent music producers call on the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament to adopt the Directive on Copyright in the Digital Single Market.
This Directive has been long sought to create a much-needed level playing field for all actors of the creative sector in the European Digital Single Market, whilst giving citizens better access to a wider array of content.
This is a historical opportunity. We need an internet that is fair and sustainable for all. This is why we urge policymakers to adopt the Directive quickly, as agreed in trilogue negotiations.
SIGNATORIES
BIEM- Bureau international des sociétés gérant les droits d’enregistrement et de reproduction mécanique
CEDC- European Coalitions for Cultural Diversity
CEPIC- Centre of the Picture Industry
CIAGP- International Council of Creators of Graphic, Plastic and Photographic Arts
CIAM-International Council of Music Authors
CISAC– International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers
EANA- European Alliance of News Agencies
ECSA- European Composer and Songwriter Alliance
EFJ- European Federation of Journalists
EIBF- European & International Booksellers Federation
EMC- European Music Council
EMMA- European Magazine Media Association
ENPA- European Newspaper Publishers’ Association
EPC- European Publishers’ Council
Eurocinema- Association de Producteurs de Cinéma et de Télévision
EVA- European Visual Artists
EWC- European Writers’ Council
FEP- Federation of European Publishers
FERA- Federation of European Film Directors
FSE- Federation of Screenwriters in Europe
GESAC- European Grouping of Societies of Authors and Composers
IFRRO – International Federation of Reproduction Rights Organisations
IMAGO- European Federation of Cinematographers
IMPALA- Independent Music Companies Association
IMPF- Independent Music Publishers International Forum
NMC- News Media Coalition
NME- News Media Europe
SAA- Society of Audiovisual Authors
UNI-MEI- Global Union in the Media, Entertainment and Arts
W&DW- Writers & Directors WorldwideMusic Business Worldwide
